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Singapore flight turbulence tragedy

216 replies

Freespirit44 · 21/05/2024 17:59

Posting for traffic.

Since I have heard the news I am absolutely terrified.

I am a VERY anxious flyer. For this reason I haven't flown in over seven years.

The news of this tragedy has triggered me as i have a short haul flight next week from the UK.

Anyone else feel the same?

OP posts:
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Freespirit44 · 21/05/2024 18:19

Thank you for the reassurance everyone. I needed to hear that.
I had just about gathered the courage to fly this year and this happens. That poor man. I hope the injured passengers make a full recovery.

Iv got no choice but to go ahead with the flight. My children don't need my fears passed onto them. If they weren't on the flight with me I would have definitely cancelled!

OP posts:
frankentall · 21/05/2024 18:19

Deathbyfluffy · 21/05/2024 18:03

Short haul and long haul fly at the same altitude - usually between 30,000 and 39,000 feet.

Depends where and flight length but in any case between 30 and 39 is a lot of difference - some short flights wouldn't have time to climb to 39 - some not even 30.

Actually the common types of turbulence are more common at lower altitudes, although CAT can occur anywhere and is hard to spot/predict.

Occurences like this are incredibly rare and aviation in general has got much better at dodging turbulence since I started flying.

DeedlessIndeed · 21/05/2024 18:09

OP, there are 4.5 BILLION passengers that fly yearly across the world.

This is the first time I've heard of someone dying from extreme turbulence.

I appreciate it can be scary, but actually the risk is miniscule. It's even smaller if you keep your seat belt on and are already in good health.

Starsinabox · 21/05/2024 18:09

I flew recently to Singapore & back

I have visited Singapore a few times

This incident does not put me off flying

I wear my seat belt

aliasname · 21/05/2024 18:06

It also shows how safe planes are, as it was undamaged and landed fine.

albertoross · 21/05/2024 18:04

Confortableorwhat · 21/05/2024 18:02

It looks like it was a distressing flight, but the man died of a heart attack, not from injuries.

And? Do you really think he wouldn't have had a heart attack if he wasn't in this incident?

Deathbyfluffy · 21/05/2024 18:03

Haggisfish3 · 21/05/2024 18:02

Also, long haul flights fly at much higher altitude. Unlikely to happen at lower altitudes I think, although I’m hiding the thread so I don’t see all the doom mongers!!

Short haul and long haul fly at the same altitude - usually between 30,000 and 39,000 feet.

albertoross · 21/05/2024 18:03

Itsrainingten · 21/05/2024 18:02

It was absolutely awful OP but if you're worried about the same happening on your flight remember, firstly this is SO rare it's made the news and secondly EVEN if you're unlucky enough to have similar turbulence if you have your seatbelt on you won't go flying.
Please don't worry. Flying is super safe

There was no seat belt warning but yeah if you can manage it OP keep your seat belt on for the whole flight. You won't be the only one

Confortableorwhat · 21/05/2024 18:02

It looks like it was a distressing flight, but the man died of a heart attack, not from injuries.

PineappleTime · 21/05/2024 18:02

No, it's extremely rare. However I started keeping the seatbelt on all through flights some time ago because there's no reason not to and it could keep you safe in an emergency.

RemarkablyBrightCreature · 21/05/2024 18:02

It massively highlights the importance of keeping your belt on for the entire flight - I never take my belt off unless I’m stretching my legs.

Haggisfish3 · 21/05/2024 18:02

Also, long haul flights fly at much higher altitude. Unlikely to happen at lower altitudes I think, although I’m hiding the thread so I don’t see all the doom mongers!!

Itsrainingten · 21/05/2024 18:02

It was absolutely awful OP but if you're worried about the same happening on your flight remember, firstly this is SO rare it's made the news and secondly EVEN if you're unlucky enough to have similar turbulence if you have your seatbelt on you won't go flying.
Please don't worry. Flying is super safe

Haggisfish3 · 21/05/2024 18:01

Oddly, no. News suggests he died of a heart attack, not from injuries sustained. I make a point of wearing my seat belt all the time anyway. These events hit the news because they are so rare. I feel it is incredibly unlikely to happen again

albertoross · 21/05/2024 18:00

No I don't think that is an unreasonable response to this tragedy